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Hydrogen Sulfide Detection

Hydrogen Sulfide Detection

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. This colourless, toxic and flammable gas is partially responsible for the foul odour of rotten eggs and flatulence.
 
It often results from the bacterial break down of sulfites in non-organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic digestion) in environments such as swamps or sewers. It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas and some well waters. The odor of H2S is commonly misattributed to elemental sulfur, which is in fact odourless.
 
Hydrogen sulfide is considered a broad-spectrum poison, meaning that it can poison several different systems in the body. Of these, the nervous system is most affected.
 
For detection of hydrogen sulfide (or hydrogen sulphide), a portable or fixed gas detector can be used, with most H2S detectors being suitable for work in hazardous areas.
 
Hydrogen Sulfide Characteristics
Synonyms Sulphuretted hydrogen, rotten egg gas, sewer gas, stink damp
CAS No. 6/4/7783
Chemical formula H2S
Vapour density 1.19 (air = 1)
Safe Work Australia ES TWA 10 ppm
STEL 15 ppm
Flammable limits LEL 4.0 % by volume
UEL 45.5 % by volume
Equipment group IIB
Temperature classification T3
Chemical/physical properties At room temperature, hydrogen sulfide is a colourless, flammable gas with a pungent “rotten egg” odour.  Although easily detectable by smell at low concentrations (usually below 0.1 ppm), prolonged exposure to non-lethal concentrations (150 – 200 ppm) can lead to olfactory fatigue whereby higher and potentially lethal concentrations cannot be perceived.
Hazardous properties At low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide is an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. At higher concentrations it inhibits critical respiratory enzymes, leading to paralysis of the respiratory centre and rapid death by asphyxiation; this can occur at concentrations as low as 1,000 to 2,000 ppm.
Uses and occurrence Hydrogen sulfide is produced naturally when organic matter decays under anaerobic conditions. It is a by-product of petroleum refining and is used in the production and processing of synthetic rubbers, fabrics (e.g. rayon), dyes, leather and even sugar. It is found in sewer gas and in certain coal seams (sometimes in a mixture with methane) called “stink damp”.
Detectors available Electrochemical (0 – 500 ppm)
Gas detector tube (0.2 ppm – 40 % by volume)
Colorimetric paper tape (0 – 20 ppm and 0 – 90 ppb)
Suggested alarm levels Lo: 10 ppm
Hi: 15 ppm
Notes  

 

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